Phantom Defense Acquires KARAKURT Developer and Integrates Drone Net Interception Technology

Ukrainian defense technology company Phantom Defense has announced the completion of its acquisition of the developer of KARAKURT net launchers. The transaction involves the full acquisition of the business and its team. Integrating drone net interception technology into the Phantom Defense ecosystem will strengthen the protection of frontline units and infrastructure facilities against various types of unmanned threats.

The KARAKURT net deployment system enables the physical interception of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without kinetic impact. Using a net-launching module, the device deploys a durable net over the target, entangling its rotors and preventing further flight. As a result, enemy reconnaissance or strike drones lose control and descend to the ground largely intact.

Phantom Defense highlights the following advantages of KARAKURT net launchers:

• Preservation of captured UAVs: The absence of detonation allows enemy drones to be brought down in a condition suitable for examination or potential reuse in combat operations by Ukraine's Defense Forces.
• Cost-effectiveness: Compared with missile- or artillery-based air defense systems, net launchers are more economical to manufacture and maintain, enabling large-scale deployment across units along the front line.
• Protection of critical infrastructure: Net launchers minimize the risk of collateral damage caused by explosions and debris, making them an effective solution for protecting critical and civilian infrastructure against various types of unmanned threats.

KARAKURT counter-drone systems are adapted for different carrier platforms and tactical scenarios:

• For DJI Mavic, Matrice, and Autel platforms (M3, M4, A4 variants), the system deploys a net vertically from above. This makes it possible to neutralize enemy UAVs lying in wait on rooftops or on the ground.
• For FPV drones and specialized platforms (FPV and LS variants), the system uses forward net deployment with a target retention mechanism to intercept moving targets at high speed.

With modules weighing as little as 201 g, the net launchers have virtually no impact on the carrier drone's maneuverability or flight endurance.

Combat Deployment of KARAKURT Net Modules

Over the past six months, military units have deployed more than 50,000 KARAKURT kits. To collect operational data and further improve the technology, the company has introduced a program offering free replacement of consumables to units that submit video evidence of successful enemy UAV interceptions.

The program has already recorded more than 5,000 video-confirmed interceptions. This reduces the financial burden on military units while providing developers with practical feedback to continuously improve the technology.

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According to Phantom Defense, a single crew of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine intercepted more than 500 enemy UAVs using net deployment modules over a six-month period.

“Integrating KARAKURT into our ecosystem enables us to meet the demand among military units for highly effective yet affordable short-range interception solutions. This acquisition creates new opportunities to scale and further develop a product that has already demonstrated strong performance on the front line, backed by real combat experience,” commented a Phantom Defense representative.

MANGAL — A Net-Based Drone Interception System for Close-Range Protection

As part of the development of this acquisition, Phantom Defense has introduced MANGAL, a close-range UAV net interception system integrated into its counter-UAS ecosystem.

The system is designed to provide point-defense air protection for military vehicles, stationary positions, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) against hostile drones.

MANGAL combines artificial intelligence with daylight and thermal imaging cameras to detect aerial threats and automatically identify targets. The response time from detection to net launch is one second.

Once activated, the system launches a net that physically entangles the drone and prevents it from continuing its flight.

The modular system is equipped with six net launchers and has an effective engagement range of 5 to 15 meters. Its built-in battery provides at least 8 hours of autonomous operation. MANGAL can also be powered by an additional battery module or a combat vehicle's onboard electrical system.

About Phantom Defense

Phantom Defense is a Ukrainian defense technology company developing an integrated ecosystem for countering unmanned threats, including electronic warfare (EW), target detection systems, kinetic interception solutions, and a situational awareness and battle management platform.

Its products have demonstrated their effectiveness in combat conditions in Ukraine, with applications ranging from protecting military units to safeguarding critical infrastructure and cities.

The company employs more than 620 people and operates nine production facilities, with a combined manufacturing capacity of more than 100 drones and 200 electronic warfare devices per day.

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